Category Archives: Prescription Drug Addiction

Program Spotlight: Outpatient Opiate Detox

Until It’s Done-Outpatient Opiate Detox Program-NewBeginningsRecovery New Beginnings Recovery Center’s Outpatient Opiate Detox Program is available to those who are looking for a safe and more comfortable method of detox that will help them overcome the withdrawal effects of opiates.

Outpatient Detox Program

We offer a specialized outpatient program for individuals who are dependent on opiates and other types of painkillers. By choosing our outpatient program, clients can detox comfortably from prescription medications while still attending work, school or other responsibilities.

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Those who are detoxing from Suboxone® are especially prone to experiencing the symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) (persistent problems that happen after withdrawal). During this stage, most people report similar types of experiences, characterized by these symptoms among others:

Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Mood swings
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Tiredness
Variable energy
Greater sensitivity to pain

At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we have refined our detox protocol so that both the acute and post acute symptoms are minimized. Suboxone® tends to effect people so that their opiate withdrawal symptoms last longer and the PAWS symptoms are more intense than with other opiates. Our Suboxone® outpatient detox has been modified to address these issues.

Ongoing Treatment Plan After Detox

Once our clients complete any of our Outpatient Opiate Detox Programs, we perform a follow-up evaluation to determine their mental state and to understand the underlying reasons for addiction. An ongoing treatment plan, customized to meet each individual’s needs, will be developed. These customized treatment plans can include holistic therapies, individual and group counseling, mental health services, nutritional support and much, much more.

To prevent relapse, we also provide real-life tools to help clients cope with cravings and stressors in the real world.

Take That First Step To Recovery!

Drug detox is just the beginning of a life of healing and sobriety. Take that first step and contact us now! We will help you walk away from the darkness and into the light toward your new beginning.

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Opiates vs. Opioids: How To Tell The Difference

The words opiate and opioid are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different types of drugs. Opiate refers to the opium poppy, and the drugs which are derived directly from the plant. Opioids are synthetic drugs made in laboratories which act in a similar manner to opiates.

Use Of Opiates Throughout History

Opiates have been used to relieve pain for thousands of years. The first writings referring to opium as an analgesic compound date to the third century BC. It was used during the American Civil War as a pain reliever, and a number of soldiers became addicted to morphine. At that time, it was called “soldier’s disease,” and those affected could achieve the highs they sought with a hypodermic needle, which had been invented in 1853 by Scottish surgeon Alexander Wood. Today, opiates and opioids, are prescribed often by physicians as part of a pain management program.

Opioid Addiction Treatment-www.NewBeginningsRecoveryCTR.com

Examples Of Opiates

Opium
Heroin
Morphine
Codeine

Opium is the powder made from the dried juice of the opium poppy. When it is ingested orally, it induces a state of peaceful well-being and sleepiness. It has been used since Babylonian civilization. Codeine is a naturally occurring opium alkaloid that be made synthetically. It is especially effective at treating pain when combined with other pain relievers, such as Aspirin.

Examples Of Opioids

Hydrocodone (sold as Vicodin, Lortab)
Hydromorphone (sold as Dilaudid)
Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan, Oxycontin)
Oxymorphone (Opana)
Meperdine (Demerol)
Fentanyl
Methadone

How Opioids Work

Opioid pain medications bind to specific proteins called opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body. They reduce the level of pain signals sent to the brain to provide relief to the user. Medications in this class may be prescribed by a doctor when other pain medications have not been successful at controlling a patient’s pain.

Opioid Addiction

Since opioids can reduce pain and produce a sense of relaxation, it’s understandable that people who are experiencing pain regularly or on a daily basis may start taking more than their prescribed dosage of opioid pain medication or taking it more often than the doctor has prescribed, due to the feelings experienced and a quick-building tolerance. From that point, it’s a slippery slope toward prescription addiction.

Signs Of Opioid Abuse And Addiction

The signs and symptoms of opiate/opioid addiction include mood, behavioral and physical symptoms and include, but are not limited to:

Mood Symptoms

Increased anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Psychosis
Improved self-esteem (while high)

Behavioral Symptoms

Using a greater amount or longer than intended
Unsuccessful attempts to decrease amount taken
Doctor shopping
Losing interest in normal activities & focus on obtaining the drug

Physical Symptoms

Increased heart beat
Decreased appetite
High blood pressure
Increased sensitivity to sensory stimulation

Side Effects

Nausea
Confusion
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Constipation
Dependency
Overdose

Opioid Addiction Treatment

If you or your loved one suffers from an addiction to opioids, caring and professional treatment in necessary. New Beginnings Recovery Center offers safe outpatient opiate detox and treatment programs. We focus on the entire person – mind, body and soul. If you or a loved one needs help for prescription addiction, contact us now.

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We Have A Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic

Deaths from prescription drug use have hit an all-time high, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to declare a prescription drug use epidemic. Incidents involving prescription drug abuse have been steadily on the rise for the past two decades, and are now responsible for nine out of 10 poisoning deaths.

On a daily basis, 6,748 people receive treatment in Emergency Departments for either drug abuse or misuse, and around 120 people die. The death rate from drug overdose has more than doubled in the years from 1999-2013. Over half of the 43,992 drug overdose deaths in the US were attributed to prescription drug abuse. (CDC)

What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drug abuse is taking a medication in a way that is different from that which the doctor originally prescribed. It includes:

Taking a larger dose than what was originally prescribed
Taking a prescription prescribed for someone else
Using the medicine for another purpose (to get high)
Using it in a different manner than as directed (crushing tablets, then snorting or injecting them)

A number of prescription medications can have similar effects to illicit drugs when they are taken in higher doses than prescribed by a doctor or when taken by people who do not have symptoms of the disorders for which they are usually prescribed.

Types Of Drugs Commonly Abused

Painkiller addiction has become a major part of the prescription drug abuse epidemic, with opioids leading the way. Chronic pain is frequently treated with this class of drugs, and their clinical use has increased over the past several years.

Opioids can create a feeling of euphoria among users. Over time, a tolerance and physical dependence leading to drug addiction can develop. When taken at high doses or in ways other than prescribed, they can have similar effects to heroin. Some people progress to a heroin addiction when they are unable to access their prescription painkiller or can no longer afford it, since heroin can actually be easier to obtain and is a cheaper alternative.

Stimulants used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are also being abused. Drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta act on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems in the same way as cocaine.

Prescription drugs used for anxiety, including Xanax and Valium, have the same type of calming effect as club drugs like GHB.

All of these drugs have the potential for addiction, and the risk is higher when they are abused. As a result, some physicians are reluctant to prescribe opioids to patients living with chronic pain, even when there is a clear need for pain management. The possibility of prescription drug abuse is having an impact on some doctors when making choices about what to prescribe for their patients.

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

If you concerned about prescription drug abuse for yourself or a loved one, contact New Beginnings Recovery today to learn about our treatment programs. We will develop a personalized prescription drug addiction treatment plan to help you or a loved one overcome the holds of prescription drugs.

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